Helping People to Communicate

Lámh supports communication - between parents and child, between siblings, between friends. It can be a stepping stone to communicating with the world. If you're new to Lámh, find out about learning and using Lámh.

Signing with Lámh

Using Lámh

Lámh is a manual sign system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland. Lámh signs are used to support communication.

Lámh Encourages Eye Contact

Using Lámh encourages eye contact and attention to movement. These are skills that are important for speech development.

Develops Vocabulary

Using sign assists people to develop vocabulary and language skills. They have a means to try out and practice how language works.

Helps Self-Expression

Many children and adults with communication needs can understand much more than they can express verbally. Signing can provide a means of taking part in conversation.

Motivates to Try Out New Words

If their speech is unclear or limited, the Lámh user may be more easily understood when they use signs. When you are understood you are delighted to realise you have been successful and are more likely to keep on trying - to try new words and say more!

Promotes Attention to Movements

Using gestures and making signs comes earlier for many children than saying the corresponding word. For many people using Lámh, it is easier to recognise and make gestures with their hands that it is for them to make speech sounds at first.

Reduces Frustration

Lámh users may be more easily understood when they use signs with speech. When a person uses sign, the listener can have a better chance of understanding the message. Frustration is reduced when people are provided with a way of communicating.

The Family Lámh Course can be attended by parents, siblings, grandparents and others close to the family.
The Family Lámh Course gives families the skills to support their child's sign use alongside Lámh sign training. Families say they enjoy the opportunity to share experiences with other families.

Families who have been to the Lámh Family Course may be interested in the Part Two Family Course, to learn more signs, or get sign practice with a Lámh Tutor, or to talk about their Lámh use with other families.